QUICK-CONNECT JOINTS AND RELATED METHODS
First Claim
1. A fastener to secure a flange to a main body of a blowout preventer, the fastener comprising:
- a housing configured to receive a locking pin;
a plurality of cavities located within one of the housing or the locking pin, the plurality of cavities each comprising an inclined surface extending from a deep sections of the cavity;
a plurality of rollers positioned in the plurality of cavities; and
a release cage to retain the plurality of rollers in the plurality of cavities;
wherein the release cage moves the plurality of rollers along the inclined surfaces and into compressive engagement between the locking pin and the housing.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present disclosure provides a fastener to secure a flange to a main body of a blowout preventer, the fastener including a housing configured to receive a locking pin, a plurality of cavities located within one of the housing or the locking pin, the plurality of cavities each comprising an inclined surface extending from a deep sections of the cavity, a plurality of rollers positioned in the plurality of cavities, and a release cage to retain the plurality of rollers in the plurality of cavities, wherein the release cage moves the plurality of rollers along the inclined surfaces and into compressive engagement between the locking pin and the housing.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A fastener to secure a flange to a main body of a blowout preventer, the fastener comprising:
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a housing configured to receive a locking pin; a plurality of cavities located within one of the housing or the locking pin, the plurality of cavities each comprising an inclined surface extending from a deep sections of the cavity; a plurality of rollers positioned in the plurality of cavities; and a release cage to retain the plurality of rollers in the plurality of cavities; wherein the release cage moves the plurality of rollers along the inclined surfaces and into compressive engagement between the locking pin and the housing. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method to convert a bolted joint, which is configured to secure a flange to a main body of a blowout preventer, to a quick-connect joint, the method comprising:
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threading a locking pin into the main body; installing a locking nut on the locking pin to secure the flange to the main body; moving a plurality of locking rollers within a plurality of cavities of the locking nut with a release cage, such that the plurality of locking rollers are moved into a compressive engagement with a plurality of inclined surfaces of the plurality of cavities and a shaft diameter of the locking pin. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14)
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15. A method to convert a bolted joint, which is configured to secure a flange to a main body of a blowout preventer, to a quick-connect joint, the method comprising:
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threading a housing into the main body; inserting a locking pin into the housing to secure the flange to the main body; moving a plurality of locking rollers within a plurality of cavities of one of the locking pin or the housing with a release cage, such that the plurality of locking rollers are in a compressive engagement with a plurality of inclined surfaces of the plurality of cavities and one of a shaft diameter of the locking pin and an inner bore of the housing. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification